Demons host swim championships

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado - Despite the fact that the Glenwood Springs boys swim team has the shortest roster (with only five) in its league, the Demons will be hosting the 2008 Class 4A Western Slope Swimming and Diving Championships Friday and Saturday at the Glenwood Springs Community Center.

Being on the down side in numbers is something the Demons are used to and it's even brought the team together.

"It is a little frustrating being the smallest team in the district," said one of Glenwood's coaches, Amanda Moore. "However the team members have really been very supportive of each other and they all have great attitudes."

The Demons will be hosting Montrose, Delta, Moffat County and Durango. Prelims will be held on Friday starting at 4:30 p.m. The top 12 swimmers/divers in each event will go on to Saturday's finals, which will begin at noon. The meet is not only a chance to win regional titles, but it is also the last chance of the season for athletes to hit state-qualifying marks.

The five Demons will be giving it their all, looking to score points and turn in their best times of the season. George Keeper, a Rifle High School student and the only senior on the team, is very close to hitting state-qualifying times in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. He is also a member of the 200 free relay team, which is also closing in on qualifying for state. Juniors Luke Johnson and Alex Moore as well as freshmen Cole Newton and Geoffrey Moore will be laying it all on the line for a chance to continue their seasons.

"Our team goals for this year are to have fun, be competitive and keep the team going," said Moore, who coaches the squad along with Steve Vanderhoof. "We also hope to qualify and take these guys to the state meet. As part of the season, each of our swimmers set individual goals and team members are helping hold each other accountable."

The Demons are hoping any success will serve as a stepping stone for future seasons, when they hope to have more boys on the team.

"We hope to be able to have a men's dive team along with more Demon swimmers next year," Moore said. "The plan is to recruit and grow the team for next year. We have several individuals who have expressed interest in competing as divers and a few additional swimmers, too."

Western Slope Swimming and Diving Championships Friday and Saturday at the Glenwood Springs Community Center Teams: Montrose, Delta, Glenwood Springs, Moffat County and Durango Friday: Prelims start at 4:30 p.m. Saturday: Diving starts at noon; swim finals begin at 2 p.m.